City of Nacogdoches launches NacWise Alert to enhance Emergency Preparedness and Communication

Nacogdoches Residents can register their contact information and preferences to receive urgent notifications and important updates

Nacogdoches announces the immediate deployment of NacWise Alert, a leading mass notification platform, which will facilitate important communications and emergency preparedness. The first community-wide test call was held on Friday, August 1.

The City of Nacogdoches implemented NacWise Alert so officials can stay connected to residents and efficiently provide them with direction in the event of fires, hurricanes, and severe weather. Using NacWise Alert, officials can record and send an unlimited number of personalized voice messages to home phones, businesses, local agencies and mobile phones in just minutes. The service also sends email, text messages (SMS) to mobile phones and posts on Facebook, RSS feeds and Twitter channels. Messages can also be sent to TTY/TDD devices for people who are hearing impaired.

“Keeping our community safe and informed is our top priority, which is why we need to be able to communicate with residents quickly in an urgent situation,” said Mayor Roger Van Horn, “NacWise Alert enables us to communicate efficiently with residents in just a matter of minutes, helping save valuable time, use resources efficiently and protect our community.”

Nacogdoches officials can target each message to an unlimited number of groups. Authorized users can also use the system’s geo-mapping and group subscription features to contact residents based on specific geographical locations and interests, helping ensure recipients receive relevant, targeted information.

“With NacWise Alert, we know our residents are receiving the information that matters most to them, whether it’s an urgent situation or routine community update,” said Keith Kiplinger, Fire Chief “I strongly encourage residents to register their contact information and update their message preferences into the system’s secure database so they are prepared to receive important notifications.”

Publicly available primary residential and business phones in Nacogdoches will automatically be included in the system. However, to ensure Nacogdoches has the most up-to-date contact information, including cell phone numbers and email addresses, residents should visit the City’s website or log on directly to www.nacwise.com and click on the link that says “Sign Up Now,” and provide their complete contact information. Users should also manage their message preferences by indicating their preferred mode of contact, language and message topics. Those without Internet access are encouraged to call Nacogdoches Fire & Rescue at 936-559-2541 or visit the Nacogdoches Public Library at 1112 North Street to provide their current information. Residents with call blocking services should add 936-559-2556 to their approved number list to ensure they receive important notifications from the city.

For more information on NacWise Alert you can log on to the City’s website at www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us or www.nacwise.com, visit us on facebook @City of Nacogdoches- City Government, follow us on twitter #CityofNac or call 936-559-2541 for more information.